Driver's License

Driving in Los Angeles

It is always recommended that international students obtain a California Driver’s License if they plan to drive in the United States. A California Driver's License is also required when purchasing a car and obtaining car insurance. However, you must wait until AFTER the add/drop date for classes for the current semester before applying. See explanation below under "Application Process"

More information about non-resident drivers is available here.

International Driving Permit

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. The IDP is also referred to as an International Driver's License or International License.

Overview

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website outlines the process of obtaining a California Driver’s License. The application process includes a written test and driving skills test administered by the DMV. The California Driver’s Handbook is an indispensible resource when preparing for these tests. Samples of written tests are also available online for reference.

Application Process

You MUST be activated in SEVIS as registered full-time for classes by OIS **BEFORE** you apply for your Driver’s License. Otherwise there will be significant problems and delays with your application.

However, most schools do not do SEVIS class registration till approximately ONE WEEK *>>AFTER<<* the ADD/DROP date for class registration since they have to have final, confirmed class registration.

You can drive on your home country license till then.

DMV requires that you present the ORIGINALS of all immigration documents: passport, I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019. Your passport or I-20/DS-2019 CANNOT expire less than 60 days from the date of application. If these documents expire in less than 60 days, you cannot apply. Also, take your home country license to present to the officer as it may exempt you from the driving test.
There is a fee for application for the Driver’s License or CA State ID. You also need to fill-out an application form at the DMV.
If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not in the process of applying for one, mark on the DMV application that you are not eligible for a SSN. You are only eligible for a SSN if you have a job offer for authorized paid on-campus or off-campus employment.
OIS strongly advises students/scholars to visit the Hope Street DMV office on Thursdays and Fridays after 1 pm because waiting times are typically shorter and staff are better able to assist you.
If there are problems with your application, please make sure to record the name of the officer you spoke with and make an appointment to meet with OIS for further assistance.
After applying, you must wait at least 30 days before calling the DMV office to inquire about your application. However, most cards are issued within two weeks if there are no issues with your application. They cannot assist you before the 30 day window ends.

Students on OPT

When on OPT, the DMV office requires that you obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to have your extension of your driver's license approved. Take your EAD card and F-1 documents to the Social Security Office to get the SSN first. Then take your SSN, EAD card and F-1 documents to the DMV in order to obtain a license. You must also wait until the *start date* on your EAD card to submit your DL application for it to be accepted.

Obtaining a California Identification Card

A California driver’s license is commonly used as an important form of identification. International students and scholars who do not drive are instead able to obtain a California Identification (ID) card. The DMV website offers detailed guidelines on obtaining an ID card.

Visiting the DMV

DMV office located closest to the USC main campus:
3615 S. Hope St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(800) 777-0133

Office Hours and Customer Wait Time Information

OIS advises USC international students and scholars to visit this office not only because it is the office closest to campus, but also because they are familiar with assisting the USC international community.

DMV office located closest to the Health Sciences campus:
3529 N. Mission Road
Los Angeles, CA 90031